Control Car A/C unit contols

Hey all i am looking to do a modification to my current A/C and heat control unit. I would like to control it via the Arduino.

Here are some images of what my a/c and heat control unit knobs look like:



All i am looking to do is be able to control them via my PC using the arduino. However, i am unsure of what i can use to either:

(1) Turn the individual 3 knobs like i would with my hand using some type of solenoid?
(2) plug into the output? and see how i can mimic the turning via the back of the control unit pin wires. Would need help in this category with what i need in order to "listen" to what its doing every time i turn a knob.

I will be customizing a dash to house my tablet and therefore it will overlap the air control knobs so i am just looking for a better way in using them since it will be hard to get to them after i install the tablet.

Thanks for your time!

David

Have you tried the TRW website?

AWOL:
Have you tried the TRW website?

I take it that you say that jokingly...

you just need to figure out what each output does, and build your own method for mimicking those signals. If the car is modern enough, you may be able to issue commands via the CAN bus, but that may prove to be a lot more difficult. Any arduino you choose will be able to handle the outputs. A few can even speak CAN natively.

If you're okay with relying on the tablet to be functional for the HVAC to be functional, take a look at the IOIO board: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10748 - it's not an arduino, but it is purpose-built for things like what you're trying to do.

edit: I noticed that you mentioned a "PC" - if that means the tablet you're using runs windows then things get a lot more difficult. Still possible though, I'm just not sure the IOIO is appropriate

I doubt that it will be possible to turn the manual controls, since this would require attaching a drive mechanism to the rear of the controls and judging from the picture I doubt that this would be practical. What would be feasible would be intercepting the output from the manual controls and over-riding them with the Arduino. To do that, you'd need to start by understanding the electrical outputs from that control panel, and how they relate to the controls.

I take it that you say that jokingly...

No. Why?

The device has a TRW logo on it. Why not get it from the horse's mouth?

just go through it http://www.aceprohvac.com